Senate Resolution No. 1418

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the untimely death of Kangol Kid,
trailblazing New York rapper and talented hip-hop
artist

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those musical geniuses whose commitment and creative talents
have contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of their
community and the entire State of New York; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is moved this day to memorialize the
inspired life and career of Kangol Kid, who died on Saturday, December
18, 2021, in Manhasset, New York, at the age of 55; and

WHEREAS, Kangol Kid was born Shaun Shiller Fequiere in Brooklyn on
August 10, 1966, and grew up in the East Flatbush neighborhood; and

WHEREAS, The renowned rapper started off his early years as a
break-dancer along with Doctor Ice under the name "the Keystone Group,"
and toured with early 1980s rap groups such as Whodini and Full Force;
and

WHEREAS, The musician received his nickname of Kangol Kid before
achieving fame due to his signature sense of style in sporting Kangol
hats; he ultimately landed a lifelong sponsorship with the Kangol hat
company; and

WHEREAS, In the music industry, Kangol Kid left his mark as a key
contributor to the 1984 hit single "Roxanne, Roxanne," which was one of
the most influential and widely imitated songs of commercial hip-hop's
early years which was released by Kangol Kid's music group UTFO
(Untouchable Force Organization); the song was a cultural zeitgeist
which sold hundreds of thousands of copies and went to No. 10 on the
Billboard R&B singles chart and No. 77 on the Hot 100; and

WHEREAS, The music group UTFO was a largely successful foursome
consisting of Kangol Kid, Doctor Ice, the Educated Rapper and the D.J.
Mix Master Ice; and

WHEREAS, Over the years UTFO released a total of five studio albums
and even secured their own spot on the Fresh Fest Tour; this tour was an
index of hip-hop's growing popularity; and

WHEREAS, Kangol Kid was known as a pioneer in the hip-hop industry
due to his innovations that forever influenced rap and music; he is
credited with creating Z-rap which is a code-like language that consists
of lyrical zigzagging; this unique linguistic feature influenced other
successful musical artists such as E-40 and Snoop Dogg who have drawn
inspiration from this creation; and

WHEREAS, The group UTFO has been praised for its "syncopated,
overlapping patter" and "spitfire delivery" by The New York Times; and

WHEREAS, Kangol Kid leaves behind a charitable legacy having
co-founded the Mama Luke Foundation in effort to aid the fight against
cancer; he was admirably recognized in 2012 by the American Cancer
Society for his fundraising efforts and devotion to cancer awareness;
and

WHEREAS, With his great influence, Kangol Kid was an outspoken
advocate for cancer screening and likely inspired numerous people to
seek such screening, ultimately benefiting the personal health of many;
and

WHEREAS, He is survived by his parents, Andre and Jean; three
brothers, Joel, Andy and Alix; three sons, T.Shaun, Andre and Giovanni;
a daughter, Amancia; and seven grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Kangol Kid's dedication to his music leaves an indelible
legacy of inspiration which will long endure the passage of time and
will remain as a comforting memory to his family, friends and countless
fans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the untimely death of Kangol Kid, trailblazing New York rapper and
talented hip-hop artist; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Kangol Kid.